Long Island parents and school board members have filed a federal lawsuit against New York Attorney General Letitia James, challenging a guidance letter issued in May 2025 that they say restricts speech on issues involving transgender students. The Southeastern Legal Foundation (SLF) is representing plaintiffs including Kerry Wachter, chair of the Massapequa Union Free School District, and Danielle Ciampino, a member of the Rotterdam-Mohonasen Central School District Board of Education.
The lawsuit contends that the guidance letter warned school boards against publicly discussing issues related to transgender students, including accommodations for trans athletes and locker room use. Plaintiffs assert that school board members could face removal from office if they allow students or parents to speak about concerns, or if they use pronouns aligned with biological sex.
SLF President Kim Hermann noted that Wachter allowed students to share their experiences, which “often distract them from learning throughout the school day,” and added that the school board chair now faces potential removal from her position.
The lawsuit also names New York Commissioner of Education Betty Rosa and members of the State Board of Regents as defendants. It requests a court declaration that the officials cannot prohibit or punish viewpoints expressed at school board meetings and seeks an injunction against what plaintiffs describe as censorship.
Wachter emphasized the pressure faced by school board members, noting that state officials “want to threaten your seat every time you don’t fall in line.” James’ office declined to comment, describing the guidance letter as an explanation of state laws and policies.
